The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD) is one of the world's largest organizations using applied behavior analysis (ABA) in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder.

CONTACT US TOLL FREE (PARA AYUDA EN ESPAÑOL): 1-855-345-CARD (2273)

At CARD, we believe in adding value through measurable results. Nothing motivates us more than seeing positive outcomes in the families and individuals whom we treat. Our mission is to provide our clients with the treatment that they need, expand their opportunities to achieve, and help them lead happy, independent lives.

Our mission is to help all of our clients achieve their fullest potential. With scientifically-proven approaches and state-of-the-art technology, we have the tools to ensure that our clients receive the treatment they need to achieve their own goals. It’s a privilege working with these fantastic families and hearing their stories of overcoming challenges.

Now, we’d like to share their stories in their own words because we know that this MISSION IS POSSIBLE. These are the portraits of hope that continue to inspire us, and we hope that they will inspire you, too.

MADDY'Sportrait of hope

DIAGNOSIS: Autism Spectrum Disorder

AGE AT DIAGNOSIS: 2 years and 1 month

BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD: Began using Skills in November
2010 at 2.5 years old

ABA HOURS PER WEEK: 30 hours

MAJOR MILESTONES: We started our ABA program in September
and in October, she reached out and asked me to hold her hand. I knew then. She
would never let anyone hold her hand let alone ask for it! Her tiny little voice
said to me after an ABA session, "Hold hand" and she slipped her hand into mine.
I knew ABA was working.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS: Maddy is 5 years old now and she
is in Kindergarten. She spent the last 2 years mainstreamed in preschool.

HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES: Dress up! Maddy loves to play
dress up and she loves to be Disney's Belle! She also loves Polly Pockets and My
Little Ponies! She is a very social child so she loves to playgrounds! She finds
a new friend at every single one of them. In the winter, she goes dog sledding with
our family.

RILEY'Sportrait of hope

DIAGNOSIS: Autism

AGE AT DIAGNOSIS: 3

BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD: May, 2008

ABA HOURS PER WEEK: 40 hours

HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES: Nerf guns and swimming in the
pool.

JACK RILEY'S AND NICK'Sportrait
of hope

DIAGNOSIS: Autism

AGE AT DIAGNOSIS: 3 ¾

BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD: April, 2011

ABA HOURS PER WEEK: 25 hours

MAJOR MILESTONES: During an early ABA session, Jack Riley’s
therapist was withholding markers from him until he identified which color he wanted
to use. Coloring was his favorite activity at the time, but he never had to EARN
the opportunity to do it. He screamed and cried and ran away from the therapist,
furious about not getting access to the markers. Then, in the midst of his tears
and misery, he said it: “Boo” (Blue). Ahh yes, “boo.” We may be on to something
here.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS: Becoming potty trained, making friends,
beginning to engage in a conversation with follow-up questions, learning to read
and spell words and then Googling them to find related videos

HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES: Using his computer and iPad,
playing with Legos, and watching movies

NAME: Nicholas

DIAGNOSIS: Autism

AGE AT DIAGNOSIS: 4 ½

BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD: August, 1994

ABA HOURS PER WEEK: 40 hours

HOBBIES AND ACTIVITIES: Music

ETHAN'Sportrait of hope

DIAGNOSIS: Autism

AGE AT DIAGNOSIS: 2

BEGAN SERVICES WITH CARD: November, 2005

ABA HOURS PER WEEK: 30-40 hours

MAJOR MILESTONES: When he began making more eye contact
and connecting emotionally with us, as well as the reduction in aggressive behavior
and no longer requiring a therapist to shadow him at school